Tel Aviv [Israel], December 29: The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on December 28th that it had deployed its first combat-ready air defense laser, a weapon that enhances its ability to intercept rockets and UAVs.
The Times of Israel reported that Israeli officials held a handover ceremony for the interceptor laser to the Israeli Air Force on December 28. The weapon system, developed by the Israeli defense company Rafael, will be integrated into the Israeli military's multi-layered " Iron Dome " air defense system.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said it was "a historic event," asserting that this was the first time in the world that a high-power laser interceptor system had reached full operational status.
"This achievement sends an important message to our enemies, both near and far: do not challenge us, or you will face serious consequences," Katz said.
The aforementioned anti-aircraft laser has undergone more than 10 years of development, and tests have shown its effectiveness in intercepting rockets, mortar rounds, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Israeli military says the laser system, dubbed " Iron Beam ," will be an addition to the already renowned Iron Dome air defense system, which includes multiple layers of interceptor missiles. The laser weapon will help engage close-range targets more cheaply, reducing the need for expensive missiles to neutralize small targets.
With a continuous power supply, laser weapons will not run out of ammunition. However, a limitation of this system is that it does not operate effectively in conditions of limited visibility or bad weather.
Israel is not alone; many developed countries are also researching and testing laser interception systems, as "swarm" attack tactics using multiple UAVs and rockets become common in military confrontations, creating a need for continuously usable and cost-effective air defense weapons.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
